Offshore wind developer rsted has decided against constructing the interconnection facility for the Skipjack wind farm at Fenwick Island State Park in Sussex County, Delaware, US.

In July 2019, rsted entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to construct the interconnection facility on a portion of a site within Fenwick Island State Park.

Following the completion of more thorough evaluations of the area proposed for the facility, rsted has determined that a large portion of the site is comprised of undisturbed wetlands.

Accordingly, rsted has notified DNREC that it will no longer pursue plans to build the interconnection facility at Fenwick Island State Park as initially proposed.

A new interconnection site will be announced in the coming weeks, the developer said.

Constructing an interconnection facility on a site with such an extensive presence of undisturbed wetlands runs contrary to rsteds deeply-held commitment to building our business sustainably, said Brady Walker, Mid-Atlantic Market Manager for rsted.

The Skipjack Wind Farm will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits to the Delmarva region, from good-paying jobs to renewable energy for tens of thousands of homes. However, rsted is committed to constructing the wind farm and associated infrastructure in a way that seeks to mitigate potential adverse impacts on local ecosystems and communities.

Located 19 miles off the Maryland-Delaware coast, the 120 MW Skipjack Wind Farmwill feature GE Haliade-X 12 MW wind turbines, subject to final agreed and signed contract, and all required project approvals.

rstedwill developthe project at Marylands first offshore wind energy staging center at Tradepoint Atlantic, Baltimore County.

The wind farm is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2023.

See the original post here:

rsted Seeking New Location for Skipjack Interconnection Hub - Offshore WIND